Now that hurt more than anything. Louis felt a deep pang in his chest at hearing the other's words, and it was evident on his face. "What- What do you mean why is it my business?! I- you're my friend, Elias. At least in my eyes," he scoffed bitterly, trying to blink away the tears in his eyes, "Why wouldn't it be my business?"
Louis paused for a moment, his gaze dropping and his voice becoming softer, more... Hurt. And resigned. "It's not just about that... It's the lack of trust, the secrecy... It's like I'm not even part of your life. I- we just went through a goddamned fatal accident. And you're already leaving me."
Though his words were calm, he was taking laboured breaths. The vitals were soon a mess, much like his emotions and state of mind. Elias, being the experienced doctor he was, noticed it at once and pushed his own emotions aside. For now, he had to focus on calming down louis.
Elias gently made him lay down again, and says in a lower voice, "Louis, you're getting too worked up, that's not good for your current state-"
"Don't." Louis cuts him off, his fist clenched. He didn't want to calm down. He was too hurt and upset to think rationally. So, he ignored the other's warning, his voice rising again. "Calm down? I can't calm down! This is how I feel! You're never honest with me. You shut me out, and now you're running off to stay with your ex. Do you have any idea how that makes me feel?!"
"I- it's not like that, Louis. Please, calm down!" He replied in what he hoped was a soothing voice. His pleading tone seemed to have some effect, as Louis at least didn't snap back. He continued, "Look- there's nothing more to it. Let's not blow this out of proportion, please," There was an almost desperate undertone in his voice. He took Louis' clenched fist in his, gently unfurling the fingers, and rubbing his own palm on the top of his, to ease the nail marks.
"Please. He's just going to help me, he doesn't even like me like that and even before, the relationship was mostly physical. There weren't any feelings."
Though Louis wasn't panicking anymore- he didn't seem satisfied by the answer either. "You didn't answer my question, Elias," He said quietly, his voice sounding almost broken, as he just looked down. As if he didn't have any strength left now. "I- Do you know how much it hurts? I-... you're my best friend and- "
Louis shook his head, and cut himself off abruptly, feeling overwhelmed by the situation. He should quit it, before he said something neither of them could come back from. "Nevermind. Forget it. You- Go ahead and do what you want. Just... take care of yourself, okay? That's all I'm asking for. And...don't put weight on your ankle."
That was all he spoke, before turning away from Elias, and instead, looking out of the window.
"I-" Elias' breath hitched at the words. Somehow, this resigned tone hurt more than any harsh words ever could. He could only nod, "I'll be careful... Don't worry, okay? Raphael- He's not like that. He's a nice person. I'll visit you when I can. You also focus on recovering, okay?"
Louis nodded slightly, almost subconsciously, though he stayed silent. What was there to say anyway? He couldn't even look at the other's face without feeling an intense ache in his chest. He could just watch the blue sky as Elias gave his hand a last reassuring squeeze, before the sound of footsteps slowly got fainter, and there was the click of a door. And Louis was alone. Again.
Some time passed. Elizabeth had returned sometime in between, but she had to head out again, due to something, after helping Louis eat lunch. And honestly, Louis appreciated the privacy.
"Dammit..." he groaned as he closed his eyes, trying to take slow deep breaths to calm himself, to not let his emotions take over as his mind incessantly replayed the events of before. But tears still managed to escape, silently rolling down his cheeks.
The room was silent, except for the beeps of the heart monitor. Louis kept his eyes shut, too drained emotionally to open them yet, not even when he heard the click of the door, it footsteps. He just laid there, trying his best not to think about...well, everything.
The soft footsteps got closer, and he could feel someone standing near his bed. For a moment, he thought it was his mother coming back, but the assumption was soon disproved when a deep voice rang out. There was no doubt who it was- he'd heard that voice in speeches enough times.
"You don't learn, do you, Williams? You finally made me come into this...situation, myself."
Daniel sterling was here.